Lateefah Simon: “in November of last year, when I announced I would retire from the Senate after 1996, President Clinton suggested that…”

“in November of last year, when I announced I would retire from the Senate after 1996, President Clinton suggested that with the freedom from political restraint I now have, and with slightly more credibility because political opportunism would not be the immediate cry of critics, I should, from time to time, make observations about our Nation, where we are going, and where we should go. One of the marks of our civilization, virtually unnoticed as we discuss the Nation's problems, is our fastest-growing industry: gambling. Local governments, Indian tribes, and States--all desperate for revenue--increasingly are turning to what appears to be a quick and easy solution: legalized gambling. And, temporarily, it often works. Poverty-stricken Indian tribes suddenly have revenue. Cities like East St. Louis, IL, with every possible urban malady, find themselves with enough revenue to at least take care of minimal services. There are four basic questions: First, how rapidly is this phenomenon growing? Second, what are its advantages? Third, what are its disadvantages? Fourth, is there a role for the Federal Government to play, and should it play a role?”